Comcast has decided to pull the plug on G4 TV, its video game-centric network that was revived just under a year ago in November 2021, featuring classic segments such as Attack of the Show! and Xplay. The network is shutting down because of low viewership and poor financial results, according to a memo from Dave Scott, Comcast Spectacor’s CEO. G4 launched over two decades ago in April 2002 and faced its first cancellation on November 2014 following a planned relaunch.
From a Deadline report:
The current iteration of G4 is smaller and less focused on traditional linear TV than was its predecessor. It has announced a programming slate including a revived version of original G4 mainstays Attack of the Show! and Xplay, plus comedy Boosted, Japanese competition series Ninja Warrior, esports competitions and Dungeons & Dragons limited series.
Along with putting content on YouTube and social media, G4 has a multi-year agreement with Twitch and pay-TV distribution deals with Verizon FiOS, Cox, Xfinity TV and Philo.
The full memo to employees from Comcast Spectacor CEO Dave Scott:
Team:
As you know, G4 was re-introduced last year to tap into the popularity of gaming. We invested to create the new G4 as an online and TV destination for fans to be entertained, be inspired, and connect with gaming content.
Over the past several months, we worked hard to generate that interest in G4, but viewership is low and the network has not achieved sustainable financial results. This is certainly not what we hoped for, and, as a result, we have made the very difficult decision to discontinue G4’s operations, effective immediately. I know this is disappointing news, and I’m disappointed, too. I want to thank you and everyone on the G4 team for the hard work and commitment to the network.
Our human resources team is reaching out to you to provide you with support, discuss other opportunities that may be available, and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you again for all of your hard work for G4.
Sincerely,
Dave Scott
Chairman and CEO
Comcast Spectacor
Discussion (8 replies)
Join Discussion →It ain't nuthin without Olivia Munn.
Never watched it.
The problem is they tried to launch it on a platform that gamers don't watch anymore. In the early 2000's all we had was TV. Now we have high level production content on Youtube and Twitch. That's where the new generation of gamers spend their time. Not in front of a TV. And none of the people they hired were relevant in the modern gaming sphere. There was literally no reason to watch G4.
Then we have the woke b.s. they tried to push with that "thing" Frosk. You can't replace Olivia Munn with that....thing.
Yea the core demographic of gamers still wants hot girls and funny bro guys to watch. You gotta have the pretty people hosting those shows.
It's why Newegg product channel has the hot blonde.
It she reason so many of the top streamers are hot.
Same thing with Tic Tokers or Twitch streamers.
The guys that make it are identifiable and funny and kind of an idealized guy for the demographic that watches them. OR they are FUNNY.
It really isn't that dang hard to cater to gamers. Sure you can go woke... but as G4 shows... you'll just go broke. You can have woke topics. You just gotta have the right presentation so gamers don't auto tune out.
This is the first I've heard of it.
Though, despite playing games since ~1985, I don't consider myself a "gamer" and generally tend to avoid and tune out anything marketed to "gamers" as nonsense.
No tiddies, no gamers no watch.
What? You don't want to look at some flat chested, purple haired, pierced face with scattered prison tattoo's thing? How Dare You!!
lol
... and those are the guys!
... maybe. Who's to tell these days?